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Tigers Want Short-Term Shortstop

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According to Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers seek a short-term solution at shortstop.  The Tigers like the idea of using prospect Cale Iorg in 2010.  That means they won’t be signing free agents Orlando Cabrera and Rafael Furcal.  The Tigers view the relief market in the way – they like their long-term options (Ryan Perry, for example).

The Tigers have "mild interest" in Khalil Greene, who is signed through 2009.  They don’t like his $6.5MM price tag, which might mean Jack Wilson is also too pricey.  John McDonald is a more affordable name on the radar (the pitchers certainly wouldn’t mind).

The Tigers have an eye on the Rangers’ catchers, Gerald Laird in particular.  It might be tough to make a deal, as the Tigers don’t have pitching to spare.

Rosenthal’s Latest: Furcal, Bradley, Greinke

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Another day, another Ken Rosenthal column.

  • The A’s have payroll flexibility, and are expressing "strong interest" in free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal.  Bobby Crosby is set to earn $5.25MM in ’09, but it makes sense to upgrade.
  • Contrary to previous reports, Rosenthal says the Tigers are not in on Furcal.  They’ll also pass on Francisco Rodriguez, which was expected.
  • Rosenthal discusses possible fits for Milton Bradley, including the Rays, Rangers, Blue Jays, Mets, Cardinals, and Phillies.  It will be hard to overlook the health risk and give Bradley a three-year deal, especially for an NL club.
  • Rosenthal confirms interest in Khalil Greene from the Orioles and Reds.  The Blue Jays and Tigers have also been mentioned.
  • There’s no way the Phillies can afford Manny Ramirez; a look at their ’09 commitments makes that clear.
  • The Royals hope to sign Zack Greinke and Alex Gordon to long-term extensions.  Rosenthal feels trade discussions could pick up for Greinke if the Royals can’t sign him.  Keith Law said the same yesterday.
  • The Padres will exercise Brian Giles’ $9MM option in the next day or two.

Giants Rumors: Burrell, Rollins, Rowand

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THURSDAY: More Giants info, courtesy of John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle.  GM Brian Sabean is looking for offense in the infield, but he considers Cain untouchable.  Jonathan Sanchez or various pitching prospects could be trade bait instead.

Sabean also met with the agents for various free agent hitters and relievers, including Orlando Hudson and Bob Howry.

WEDNESDAY: Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News has some interesting rumors this evening.

  • Baggarly believes the rumor of the Giants’ interest in Rafael Furcal makes sense, as it’d solidify their middle infield situation.
  • He doesn’t see the Giants signing Pat Burrell, given their desire to get younger and more athletic.  Still, he expects Brian Sabean to check in on him.
  • Here’s a new one: Baggarly’s heard the Phillies will listen to offers for shortstop Jimmy Rollins.  Rollins is owed just $23.5MM over the next three seasons.
  • Scott Eyre enjoyed his time with the Phillies, though the Giants could take a shot at bringing him back.
  • Baggarly doesn’t buy any of the Bengie Molina trade rumors.  He gives a 75% chance Matt Cain stays put.
  • Baggarly expects the Giants to quietly explore the market for Aaron Rowand, which could include the Yankees and White Sox.  Rowand is owed $44MM over the next four seasons, and has no-trade protection.

Furcal To Hit The Open Market?

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Bill Shaikin and Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times have the scoop on free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal.

Furcal’s agent Paul Kinzer met with Dodgers GM Ned Colletti recently, and they didn’t see eye to eye.  Kinzer doesn’t want to compromise much on the term despite Furcal missing most of ’08 due to back surgery.  Furcal wants to return to the Dodgers, but may be "forced" to hit the open market to find the four-year deal he craves.  At least seven teams have expressed interest, the Cubs, Giants, and Blue Jays among them.  The Royals, Orioles, Cardinals, Indians, Tigers, and Twins also make sense.

Rosenthal’s Latest: Tex, Furcal, Johnson, Lofton

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Here’s a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

  • If they are to sign Mark Teixeira, the Angels would like to do it quickly.  However, it’s Scott Boras’ custom to let the market develop until late December or so.  It’s possible the Angels change gears on November 14th.  There are other big names to pursue, though none fit as perfectly as Tex.
  • Rosenthal’s worst case scenario for the Yankees: C.C. Sabathia goes to a West Coast team while A.J. Burnett re-signs with Toronto.  The Jays truly are in the mix for Burnett.  ESPN’s Keith Law says Burnett expects to receive multiple five-year offers.
  • The Orioles plan to make serious offers to Teixeira and Burnett.  Still, both are considered long shots for Baltimore.  Another note: the Orioles were one of the teams the Yankees outbid for Sergio Mitre.
  • The Dodgers are considered "a good bet" to re-sign Rafael Furcal.  The Giants have their eye on him if he hits the open market.
  • About ten teams have inquired on Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson.  We had a Cardinals rumor yesterday.
  • The Rangers figure to trade one or two of their catchers, with Gerald Laird a strong candidate to be traded.  The Red Sox and Marlins are looking for catching, though the Rangers are wary of Florida’s Scott Olsen.
  • Rosenthal wonders if Brandon Webb could leave the D’Backs after the 2010 season.
  • Kenny Lofton wants to play in 2009.

Orioles Considering Cabrera, Furcal, Renteria

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According to Roch Kubatko of MASN Online, the Orioles have internally discussed free agent shortstops Orlando Cabrera, Rafael Furcal, and Edgar Renteria.  They’re also considering trade possibilities.  The Orioles’ #5 overall draft pick next year is protected, but they’d have to surrender their second rounder if they sign Cabrera or Renteria.  The market for Furcal will be robust if he doesn’t re-sign with the Dodgers.

Possible names on the trade market: J.J. Hardy, Julio Lugo, Jack Wilson, Khalil Greene, Ronny Cedeno, and Chin-lung Hu.

Dodgers Rumors: Manny, Furcal, Peavy

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Dodgers GM Ned Colletti talked to the media yesterday; here’s the latest.

  • Tony Jackson of the L.A. Daily News believes Colletti will pursue a competent backup catcher to allow more rest for Russell Martin.  A decision is due on Gary Bennett’s $900K option within seven days.
  • So far this offseason, Colletti and Scott Boras have exchanged two voicemails.  They’ll meet in person to discuss Manny Ramirez and other Boras clients (Derek Lowe, Greg Maddux, Andruw Jones, maybe Joe Crede) at next week’s GM meetings.  Colletti will not put the other team needs on hold to deal with Manny.
  • Colletti has had preliminary talks with the agents for Rafael Furcal, Casey Blake, and Nomar Garciaparra, while Jeff Kent is expected to retire.
  • Colletti intends to acquire a top of the line starting pitcher, but Jake Peavy is unlikely (the Dodgers would have to pay extra due to the same-division factor).  Free agents Lowe and C.C. Sabathia may be considered.  The Dodgers have seven days to decide on Brad Penny’s $9.25MM option versus the $2MM buyout.
  • The Dodgers would love to have Takashi Saito back, but the situation with his elbow injury is unclear.
  • Juan Pierre and Andruw Jones have expressed a desire to be traded through the media, but not formally to the Dodgers.

Cubs Offseason Targets

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Recently I wrote a Cubs Offseason Outlook, where many reasonable acquisition targets were discussed.  If the Cubs re-sign Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood, they’ll be limited by payroll unless the salaries of Jason Marquis ($9.875MM) or Derrek Lee ($13MM) are moved.

Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune names his possible Cubs targets: Brian Roberts, Adam Dunn, Jeremy Hermida, Mike Jacobs, Rafael Furcal, Jake Peavy, and Brian Fuentes.  Some fun names in there, many of which could only be added if payroll space is created.  Dunn would be an interesting choice for a regular right fielder, while Jacobs would represent a downgrade at first base.

The Cubs aren’t likely to add Peavy, especially if they re-sign Dempster.  If you’d like to take the speculation to the next level nonetheless, Barry Rozner has ideas at the Daily Herald.  With any trade scenario, it is always important to put yourself in the shoes of the other team and ask if it is truly the best deal for them.

Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Manny, Peavy, Cubs

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A look at what is being written around the Blogosphere…

  • Sox and Pinstripes has eight questions the Red Sox must address this offseason including whether or not to re-sign Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield.
  • Dodger Thoughts notes that there is not a lot of substance behind the rumors of the Dodgers offering Manny Ramirez a contract worth $60MM for two years.
  • Fanhouse wonders if Ramirez could make more money in the long run if he signs a two-year deal with the Dodgers now.
  • Gaslamp Ball wonders if the Padres are not getting the offers they expected for Jake Peavy and are starting to get "cold feet."
  • Talking Chop notes that Frank Wren’s public posturing during the Peavy negotiations is in stark contrast to what Braves fans are accustomed.
  • Bleed Cubbie Blue projects a Cubs ’09 roster, including Aubrey Huff at first base and Luke Scott in right field.
  • The Sports Bank says the biggest need for the White Sox lineup is to add speed. They look at some potential moves and project an ’09 lineup that includes Rafael Furcal and Chone Figgins.

Cork Gaines writes for RaysIndex.com and can be reached here.

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